If you're unsure how long the fridge has been broken down overnight, you should discard all the food and record it as waste. However, if you can verify the food temperature is still below 8°C using a probe thermometer, you can safely transfer it to another working fridge.
Common misunderstanding: If a fridge breaks down, it's always safer to discard all food, regardless of the temperature.
This is not entirely true. While food safety is paramount, if you can verify that the food temperature has remained below 8°C using a probe thermometer, the food can be safely transferred to a working fridge. This practice not only prevents unnecessary waste but also ensures compliance with food safety standards. Accurate temperature checks and proper documentation are crucial in these scenarios.
Common misunderstanding: Fridge breakdowns are rare and not a significant concern in the hospitality industry.
Fridge breakdowns are more common than many realise and can pose serious risks to food safety and operational efficiency. Regular maintenance checks and prompt response to any malfunctions are essential to prevent potential health hazards and reduce waste. Implementing a robust protocol for dealing with incidents is important for maintaining food safety standards.
Find the next fridge temperature check task for the broken unit in Pilla and highlight it as an issue. Add detailed comments about what happened, including:
Common misunderstanding: Documenting fridge breakdowns is unnecessary if you inform your team verbally.
Relying solely on verbal communication for documenting fridge breakdowns is inadequate. Documenting provides a structured and traceable method to record all pertinent details such as temperatures, discarded and moved food, and actions taken. This documentation is vital not only for internal tracking but also for compliance with health regulations and inspections. It ensures that all team members have access to consistent and accurate information.
Common misunderstanding: Once documented in Pilla, there's no need to follow up on a fridge breakdown.
Documenting the fridge breakdown in Pilla is just the first step. Follow-ups are necessary to ensure that the issue is resolved and to prevent recurrence. This includes scheduling maintenance checks, verifying that relocated food remains safe, and updating any impacted procedures. Continuous monitoring and follow-up actions are key to maintaining operational efficiency and food safety.
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Fridge temperatures should be checked and recorded twice per day or once per shift. Regular checking helps identify any issues early, preventing potential food safety problems.
Food that has been above 8°C must be discarded after 4 hours. This rule is strictly applicable only once and cannot be applied multiple times for periods under 4 hours each.
If you discover that the fridge temperature is above 8°C, you should immediately take the following steps: (1) Check the actual food temperature using a clean, sanitised probe thermometer.
Raw meat should always be stored on the lowest shelf of the fridge to prevent drips from contaminating other foods.
Yes, it is necessary to record all fridge temperatures, even when they are within the normal range.
Yes, you can use cling film to cover food in the display fridge as long as it is food-grade wrapping. Ensure that your display fridge also has proper sneeze guards or screening to protect the food.
Batch-cooked food should be consumed within three days, including the day it was prepared. For instance, if the food is cooked on Tuesday, it should be used by the end of Thursday.
Ideally, fresh fish should be stored in a separate fridge set at a temperature below 3°C to meet its specific cooling requirements.
Fridge seals should be inspected weekly to check their condition and cleanliness. This regular maintenance helps keep the fridge working efficiently.
When food is stored in a fridge and the temperature is between 6-8°C, it should be checked hourly to ensure it doesn't exceed 8°C.
No, you should not put hot food directly into the fridge. Doing so can raise the temperature inside the fridge, potentially affecting other stored foods and causing temperature fluctuations.
Ensure there is adequate space around all sides of items in your fridge, particularly at the back and sides of the unit, to allow cold air to flow freely.
If you don't have access to an alternative refrigeration unit during a breakdown, you must use the affected food within 4 hours if the temperature rises above 8°C.
If the fridge seal is damaged, it's important to address the issue immediately as it can lead to warm air entering the fridge and cause temperature fluctuations.